pash

Was Prijovic just with a sprained foot? I'm kind of worried that one or both of those players will be rushed back and risk a longer-term injury.

We're definitely going to get fines

It's very possible he'll make it. They did estimate 6-8 days, and this game is 8 days after his last one. Fingers crossed!!

I would love to get Stafylidis on a short term loan, as unlikely as it would be. I think that come next season, Giannoulis will be more than ready to take that starting position. Regarding Zambrano, all Lucescu has said is that "he's a PAOK player." So I guess we'll see.

If Hatzidiakos gets the impression he'll have a chance with the Dutch NT, he'll take them in a heartbeat. Sotiri is decent, but would not get a chance with our depth in that position.

So that's...good or bad?

Tziolis gets respect from coaches because he is even tempered, professional, and experienced. He seems like a nice guy, which is a BIG difference to players like Tzavellas and Maniatis. However, he eventually gets found out when clubs realize they can afford real players (note that Ivic's first order of business at PAOK once he had a say over transfers was to remove Tziolis). Sadly, he lacks both the skill and the speed to be useful in today's game. I'm told that he isn't even a starter at his current club; it should be a no brainer for him to be watching the games from home going forward. As for Skibbe, all we can do at this point is hope that he does learn from his mistakes. I'm just hoping that player managers are not making the decisions on who gets called up.

Confirmed today, 3.99

Figured it would be a good time to start this thread... Some rumors: Pelkas to Besiktas - Besiktas is reportedly interested in Fortounis, but his high price tag might make that a non starter. A backup option for them is Pelkas. Someone on another thread here in Phantis said they're considering a 5mm offer, though I haven't seen any source stating that. Guillaume Cros - currently plays in Germany's third division (Jena). I can't see this happening, though the news today says that several sites are linking him with us. Here's his stats page: https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/guillaume-cros/profil/spieler/205521 Not sure if it's a rumor, but Zambrano apparently wants to go back to Russia. If he does leave, we'll surely keep Poungouras, though I hope we do find a loan for him regardless.

I agree. The only way I"d want to see Crespo on the outside edge, is if we're playing a 3-man defense. Considering that Xanthi is better than PAO, I'd like to see nearly the same lineup (assuming Prijovic is still out): --Pashalakis-- --Matos--Varela--Crespo--Deligiannidis-- --Mauricio--Cimirot-- --Limnios--Pelkas--Mak-- --Koulouris--

I agree that it doesn't make sense. His own actions belie his words. Makes me less likely to actually believe him.

I think earlier this season they charged more for one of the more important games, maybe one in the EL? But hopefully it is 2.99 or whatever.

Oh, my goatse impersonation? (please don't google that at work folks)

Do we have any word on the paoktv price? I'm guessing the 5-euro level for this one?

He's decently fast, can dribble, *VERY* aggressive. Shooting could use some work, though as you said his long shots are good (he's deceptively strong). Boxou is correct in that he is MUCH better than Maniatis and Tziolis, though it should be noted that he's a #8 and not a #6.

People still talking about Fetfatzidis? I haven't mocked up the milk carton yet, but only because I heard there have been sightings in a far off land. Regarding Limnios - no reason to call him up right this moment, as he is only 19. He is getting time with the youth squad now, which will serve him better than attending a few training sessions and then not even making the bench for our beloved STIPIKI. If he has another few good months at PAOK (where due to a few recent injuries he actually has a great opportunity to steal a position in the ενδεκάδα), then maybe Skibbe should pay more attention. After all, simply being "in your prime" shouldn't be reason enough to call someone up - if a young gun outperforms his more experienced competitors, that's a net gain for us. For me, Skibbe said the right things during his interview from a few days ago ("players need to be playing"). Of course, there's the issue of who is actually making the call-ups...after all, it wouldn't be a Greek soccer site if people didn't repeat conspiracy theories, right? Long story short, there is a team out there that can be put together and that will make us proud. Only questions are, will Skibbe be able to piece them together... and will they actually play to their potential? He said that he's very happy that friendlies won't be played anymore, as games will now mean something. That's all well and good, but if the games are all vital, will that mean that he won't try out new players at all now? This could backfire and see us calling up fewer guys with potential, not more.

Care to make a prediction on which? Perhaps Lamia, if PAO's situation continues to deteriorate?

Vieirinha might be a game time decision. Would rather have him. Crespo, meanwhile, has been garbage each time he's played there. If he gets the start, we may as well play a 3-5-2. As for Pelkas - if he plays like he has been lately, then he should get time. Frankly, El Kaddouri should be a central midfielder. He's only slightly better as the #10 than Shakhov is (which is to say, not very good).

Here are the results of the draw: Platanias - Olympiakos Asteras Tripolis - Atromitos Levadiakos - PAS Giannina Lamia - Panathinaikos Panaitolikos - AEK Trikala - PAOK Panionios - OFI Larissa - Xanthi We shouldn't have any trouble. The most interesting matchups to me are Asteras-Atromitos and Levadiakos-Giannina. Panaitolikos vs AEK might be good, though I don't think Aetolians are having a good season.

Vieirinha out for 8-10 days. El Kaddouri is out for 6-8 weeks. Should return early February, by which point hopefully he'll actually be good. Great opportunity for Pelkas to cement a spot as our #10. Hopefully Deligiannidis gets plenty of time as LB, as well.

Pashalakis has signed on through the 2019-2020 season. I can't see Glykos staying after he returns, unless Rey, Siambanis, and Melissas leave.

PAO lost 0-1 at home vs Panionios. AEK vs Levadiakos coming up. Oly managed a late win vs Smyrni last night, as well

Charisis scored today (game ended a draw). I think it was his first? Good on him.

El Kaddouri out for two weeks. Leovac also saying he's not leaving due to "the pressure", contrary to what was reported.

The team looked very good today. Passing game was on point...defensively solid. Pashalakis had issues actually holding onto the ball, but at least his deflections were done with enough strength to clear the ball. Mak and Limnios (who is looking more and more like Rodrigues) were excellent on the counter. Pelkas looked better in the middle than he has in ages. Props to Vieirinha as well.